JCCS Breaking Barriers Community News

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October 2023

Gratitude for our Partnership

Dear JCCS Family and Educational Partners,

November is a particularly significant month when we have the opportunity to commemorate Thanksgiving, honor our veterans for their service, celebrate Dia de los Muertos, and recognize Native American heritage. These traditions remain timeless for me, as I'm continually grateful for the privilege of collaborating with all of you in our mission to serve students and their families. I'm also appreciative of waking up each morning, knowing that I have the honor and privilege of contributing to a better world for students, families, and society as a whole.

Keeping this in mind, I would be remiss if I didn't acknowledge, celebrate, and pay tribute to a couple of colleagues I greatly respect and who share my values. Dr. Paul Gothold, San Diego County Superintendent of Schools, and Bruce E. Petersen, Executive Director of Student Services and Programs, have both been servant leaders who were called upon many years ago to serve marginalized and vulnerable students. This school year, they will retire after a combined 50-plus years of dedicated service. I cannot emphasize enough what a blessing it has been to work alongside these two distinguished men who have been a true source of inspiration and have consistently led with their hearts. Anyone who had the privilege of working with them immediately recognized that their hearts were dedicated to the well-being of all students, their families, and staff. There was never any doubt or question about their unwavering commitment to the belief that every child and adult should feel a sense of belonging, value, and love.

I can't speak for everyone, but personally, I find myself daily thinking about current and former students who joined our program feeling like an outsider, unappreciated, and unloved. With deep gratitude for our partnership and the resources at our disposal, I made the decision to introduce a new section to this Breaking Barriers communications, titled "Highlighting Progress." This section, made possible through our collaborative efforts, showcases leadership, support, high standards, dedication, and compassionate hearts, all of which contribute to the development of a flourishing, successful, and remarkable adult.

I will conclude with my customary quote. This one by Lance Secretan is inspired by my friends and colleagues, Paul and Bruce, and the leadership they exemplify every day.

"Leadership is not primarily about techniques and methodologies; it's about opening one's heart. Leadership revolves around inspiration—both self-inspiration and inspiring others. True leadership is centered on human interactions, not rigid processes. Leadership cannot be distilled into a formula or a prescribed program; it's a profoundly human endeavor that emanates from the heart and takes into consideration the hearts of others. It's an outlook, not a mere routine."

On behalf of our students, families, and staff, I extend my gratitude to each one of you, and I encourage us to continue our journey of leadership. Wishing you all a joyous time!

With much admiration and appreciation,

Tracy E. Thompson

Executive Director

Juvenile Court and Community Schools

San Pasqual Academy Founders Honored by Board

Three retired public servants were celebrated as “founding fathers” of San Pasqual Academy by the San Diego County Board of Education at its October meeting.

Retired Superior Court Judge James Milliken and former County Supervisors Greg Cox and Ron Roberts were honored with a resolution adopted by the board acknowledging how instrumental the trio was in creating the first-in-the-nation residential educational foster academy, which opened its doors in 2001.

Learn more.

37ECB Students Engage in Science

Dissecting a squid, examining a strawberry’s DNA, and learning about the Big Bang Theory were some of the exciting activities students at 37ECB participated in recently during a three-day science camp on campus.

Students rotated among three stations per day, receiving instruction and participating in activities in astronomy, and life and earth sciences. The camp was hosted by the Movement Enrichment Program, an initiative led by the National College Resources Foundation.

“I enjoyed the hands-on experiments, specifically extracting the DNA from strawberries,” said Frank, a student at 37ECB.

Jennifer, another student, said she liked examining bacteria in a petri dish and learning more about volcanoes. Both said the camp was a fun change-up from the regular school day.

Learn more

Student Spotlight: Jaden

The JCCS student representative on the San Diego County Board of Education for October was Jaden, a senior at Monarch School.

Principal Dyane Plumly shared that Jaden, who will be graduating in June, is very curious and adaptable. He is an excellent student with a strong work ethic and is involved in student leadership.

Teacher Jeffra Becknell, who joined Jaden at the board meeting, said he “takes the initiative to make sure he is on top of his work. Jaden pays attention to what is happening in the world around him, and he’s a critical thinker.”

Learn more.

Highlighting Progress

Highlighting Progress is a new feature that highlights stories and experiences of former students.

Vanessa Bowie spent two years in the Targeted Opportunities home study program and graduated with a high school diploma after passing the California High School Proficiency Exam. She is now a registered nurse and is looking into master’s programs.

Bowie says that attending Targeted Opportunities provided her with the encouragement, positivity, and motivation she needed to persevere as a young mother who was uncertain about her future.

“The program taught me to never give up on my dreams or goals despite what obstacles may present themselves, and to keep moving forward,” she shared.

After graduating, Bowie worked alongside her former home study teacher as a teacher's assistant for the program, which allowed her the chance to be a role model for other pregnant and/or parenting teens and participate in home visits, tutoring, and mentoring. She eventually went on to nursing school.

“I thank God for JCCS and their commitment to high expectations, social justice, and equity for all students,” she said. “I will remain forever grateful for the hope they provided to me as a parenting teen!”

For Educators, Students, and Families

SDCOE Launches Drug-Prevention Education Video Series

The I Choose My Future video series provides students with a comprehensive, straightforward look at how substance misuse impacts the user, their families, and society. Led by Rocky Herron, 31-year veteran of the DEA and now drug ambassador at SDCOE, I Choose My Future explores the impacts of drug use on the developing brain; explains the dangers of vaping, marijuana, opioids, fentanyl, and other drugs; and provides strategies for handling peer pressure and getting help. The video series includes insights from doctors, experts, and families who have seen and experienced first hand the destruction – and heartache – drug misuse can cause.

I Choose My Future includes six 10- to 20-minute videos, discussion questions, and engagement activities helpful to prompt reflection and dialogue. While designed for classroom use, parents and caregivers can use these resources to invite youth to share what they’ve learned.

Please visit www.sdcoe.net/IChoose to access the videos or to schedule an in-person presentation.

Equity Conference 2024 Set for Jan. 18 and 19

Join hundreds of educators, parents, students, policymakers, advocates, and community members to advance educational equity for California’s students at the 2024 SDCOE Equity Conference on Jan. 18 and 19 at the Town and Country Resort in San Diego. Register your team now to attend.

There's also still time to nominate a champion for equity in your school or community with a Lighthouse Award, which is presented at the Equity Conference.

Save the Date for the 2024 Black College Expo Feb. 8

Register now for the 2024 Black College Expo scheduled for Feb. 8 from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Bayview Baptist Church in San Diego. The Black College Expo features historically black colleges and universities with on-the-spot college scholarships and acceptances awarded to qualifying students. Some college application fees may also be waived. There will be informational seminars on financial aid and other helpful sessions. Juniors and seniors of all racial and ethnic backgrounds are encouraged to attend this event hosted by SDCOE in partnership with the National College Resources Foundation.

If you have any questions or comments, contact JCCS Administration at

858-290-5852.

Get up-to-the-minute information about what's happening at the San Diego County Office of Education and in school districts across the county.